Final Thoughts: The Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos both underwent significant change over the off-season. But both traditional NRL superpowers are among the top four contenders in 2019 futures betting.

The phenomenally consistent Storm negotiated Cooper Cronk’s departure admirably in 2018. But after a bewildering grand final no-show against the Roosters, they have also farewelled legendary fullback Billy Slater.

Jahrome Hughes gets the first crack at the No.1 jumper. But the likes of Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster, Jesse Bromwich and Will Chambers are the players who need to step up and fill the leadership and experience void.

Craig Bellamy had a gentle word with Jahrome Hughes at the start of the pre-season… 🗣

“I think I'll have to be a bit more of a leader with Bill gone, probably talking more, organising shape a bit more and getting my hands on the ball more” – Munster has asserted himself as one of the game’s premier players and must lead https://t.co/3nI5hXUeCh#MelbourneProud#NRL

After a long-running Wayne Bennet-led circus, the Broncos belatedly have Anthony Seibold on-board as coach. He is set to get the best out of maligned halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima, while he has a mouth-watering array of young forward talent at his disposal.

The Broncos have maintained a very stable roster, with the bonus of getting Matt Gillett and Jack Bird back from long-term injury layoffs. The representative duo will start at lock and centre respectively.

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